Guidelines for Complications of Cancer Treatment Vol VIII Part B

surgical technique at the time of mastectomy to eliminate thedog-ear deformity at the axillary end of the incision. Thetechnique is conceptually simple and expedient, and gives anexcellent cosmetic result.PMID: 3189710 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]31. Case 2. Radiation recall associated with docetaxel.Morkas M, Fleming D, Hahl M. Challenges in oncology. J ClinOncol. 2002 Feb 1;20(3):867-9.No abstract available. Publication Types: Case ReportsPMID: 11821473 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]32. Arm edema in breast cancer patients.J Erickson VS, Pearson ML, Ganz PA, et al. Natl Cancer Inst.2001 Jan 17;93(2):96-111.The improvement in the life expectancy of women with breastcancer raises important questions about how to improve thequality of life for women sustaining complications of breastcancer treatment. In particular, attention to common problems,such as arm edema, is of critical importance. We reviewedpublished breast cancer guidelines and literature identified viaMEDLINE(R) searches in an effort to summarize the researchliterature pertinent to management of breast cancer-related armedema, including incidence, prevalence, and timing; riskfactors; morbidity; prevention; diagnosis; and efficacy of nonpharmacologicand pharmacologic interventions. We foundthat arm edema is a common complication of breast cancertherapy that can result in substantial functional impairmentand psychological morbidity. The risk of arm edema increaseswhen axillary dissection and axillary radiation therapy are used.Recommendations for preventive measures, such as avoidanceof trauma, are available, but these measures have not beenwell studied. Non-pharmacologic treatments, such as massage38